Tampa, Florida – On March 25, 2025, at 9:35 a.m., a substitute teacher at Webb Middle School, Benjamin Barnes, 26, got into a verbal altercation with a 14-year-old male student.

During the argument, Barnes used racially charged language and tried to instigate a fight. He also grabbed the student’s cell phone out of his hands.

The student fled the classroom and reported the incident to a school resource deputy. Barnes was arrested and charged with battery.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the behavior. “Our teachers are supposed to create a safe space for learning and respect, not fear and intimidation,” he said.

He added, “This behavior is completely unacceptable, and this teacher will face the consequences of their actions.” The incident has shocked the school community.

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